Saia, Inc.

NasdaqGS:SAIA Stock Report

Market Cap: US$9.3b

Saia Future Growth

Future criteria checks 2/6

Saia is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 17.5% and 7.4% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 17.5% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 12.5% in 3 years.

Key information

17.5%

Earnings growth rate

17.51%

EPS growth rate

Transportation earnings growth14.9%
Revenue growth rate7.4%
Future return on equity12.46%
Analyst coverage

Good

Last updated09 Sep 2026

Recent future growth updates

Recent updates

Narrative Update • Aug 19

SAIA: Network Expansion And Freight Upcycle Will Support Future Margins

For Saia, the analyst price target has been trimmed from an implied fair value of $550 to $510 as analysts factor in softer near term revenue growth, a slightly higher discount rate, modestly lower margin expectations and reduced future P/E assumptions following recent Q2 results and Q3 guidance. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Saia points to a more mixed backdrop, but there is still a clear group of bullish analysts who see upside potential despite the reset in expectations after Q2 results and Q3 guidance.
Narrative Update • Aug 05

SAIA: Network Expansion And Tight Capacity Will Drive Early Cycle Freight Upside

Saia's updated analyst price target has been reduced by about $27 to roughly $438, as analysts factor in softer Q3 guidance, slightly lower revenue growth assumptions, and a tighter future P/E multiple, while still expressing support for the company's long term earnings potential. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Saia shows a clear split between bullish and bearish analysts, even as most firms trim their price targets in response to the softer Q3 outlook and updated earnings assumptions.
Seeking Alpha • Jul 23

Saia: Network Expansion Winds Down And Shareholder Rewards Come Into Focus

Summary Saia transitions from heavy capital expansion to harvesting, positioning for increased free cash flow and potential capital returns. With capex forecasted at $350–$400 million for 2026, even modest reductions directly and significantly boost FCF, enabling buybacks or dividends. SAIA’s valuation appears rich, but industry peers are similarly priced; a conservative price target of $446.34 implies 4.7% upside. I maintain a Buy rating on SAIA, citing maturing network investments, robust FCF outlook, and likely shareholder rewards. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Jul 22

SAIA: Tight Capacity And Pricing Power Will Shape Early Cycle Freight Upside

Saia's updated analyst price target edges higher from $452.55 to about $464.86, reflecting analysts' use of stronger freight and trucking cycle signals to support slightly higher revenue growth, a modestly richer future P/E multiple, and a similar profit margin profile. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Saia has been active, with a series of target changes and rating updates that give you a clearer sense of how professionals are thinking about the stock's valuation, growth potential, and execution risk.
Narrative Update • Jul 07

SAIA: Freight Upcycle And Network Investments Will Support Future Margins

Saia's updated analyst price target has moved from $500 to $550. This reflects analysts' use of higher revenue growth assumptions, a slightly higher discount rate, a modestly lower profit margin outlook, and a higher future P/E multiple informed by a series of recent target increases across the freight and less than truckload peer group.
Narrative Update • Jun 23

SAIA: Freight Capacity Tightening Will Eventually Confront Lofty Earnings Expectations

Analysts have nudged their price expectations for Saia higher, lifting the fair value estimate from about $304 to roughly $308 as they factor in updated price targets and continued support for the less than truckload freight outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent research coverage on Saia has leaned constructive overall, with several large firms, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, lifting price targets as they update less-than-truckload assumptions.
Analysis Article • Jun 18

Saia (SAIA) Stock Could Be 5.9% Undervalued as Network Expansion Narrative Builds

Recent trading in Saia (SAIA) has drawn attention, with the stock down about 7% over the past week and month, yet showing a gain of roughly 33% over the past 3 months. See our latest analysis for Saia. At a share price of $425.86, Saia’s recent pullback, with the 1-day share price return down 6.82% and 30-day share price return down 7.08%, contrasts with a 90-day share price return of 32.60% and a 1-year total shareholder return of 63.49%. This suggests longer term momentum while short term...
Narrative Update • Jun 09

SAIA: Tightening Truck Capacity And Q2 Freight Trends Support Balanced Outlook

Analysts have raised the fair value estimate for Saia to $452.55 from $395.40, citing higher modeled revenue growth, a slightly higher discount rate, and a richer future P/E multiple supported by a series of recent price target increases across the Street. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia has been active, with a cluster of recent price target changes tied to updated models, mid quarter data points, and views on the less than truckload cycle.
Narrative Update • May 26

SAIA: Freight Capacity Tightening Will Eventually Collide With Elevated Earnings Multiple

Saia's fair value estimate has moved modestly higher to $304.23 from $297.25 as analysts factor in slightly stronger revenue growth and profit margins, along with a somewhat lower assumed future P/E multiple and a higher discount rate following a series of recent price target revisions across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Saia has been active, with several firms adjusting price targets both higher and lower and, in some cases, updating ratings.
Narrative Update • May 03

SAIA: Freight Recovery Optimism Will Eventually Clash With Premium Multiple Risk

Saia's updated fair value estimate has moved from $282.48 to $297.25 as analysts factor in slightly higher revenue growth assumptions, a higher future P/E of about 24.3x, and a series of recent price target increases across the Street that highlight growing focus on its physical transportation network assets. Analyst Commentary Street research around Saia has been active, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings as they react to new operating data and sector views.
Narrative Update • Apr 18

SAIA: Freight Recovery Optimism Will Expose Elevated Risk If LTL Volumes Stay Soft

Saia's analyst price target edges higher as the fair value estimate moves from $280.65 to $282.48, with analysts pointing to resilient profit margin assumptions, a slightly lower future P/E, and recent research that highlights the company as a preferred way to gain exposure to physical transportation networks. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Saia reflects a mix of optimism around the business model and more cautious views on execution, valuation, and freight cycle timing.
Narrative Update • Apr 04

SAIA: Freight Cycle Recovery And Tight Capacity Will Support Future Upside

Saia's analyst fair value estimate has moved higher from $354.95 to $395.40 as analysts incorporate stronger revenue growth assumptions, modestly different margin expectations, and higher target P/E multiples. These changes reflect a series of recent price target increases alongside a mix of upgrades and downgrades across the transport group.
Narrative Update • Mar 21

SAIA: Physical Freight Network And Tighter Capacity Will Support Future Margins

Saia's fair value estimate moves from $431 to $500 as analysts lift price targets across the sector, citing Q1 operating trends tracking ahead of expectations, firming freight indicators, and a view that the company's physical transportation network offers resilient, hard to replicate exposure in an AI focused market. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Saia centers on higher fair value assessments, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets after company updates that tracked in line with or ahead of their expectations.
Narrative Update • Mar 06

SAIA: Freight Recovery Optimism Will Heighten Downside Risk If Trends Stay Sub Seasonal

The analyst fair value estimate for Saia has been trimmed by about $3.55 to $280.65, as analysts balance slightly higher revenue growth and profit margin assumptions with a lower future P/E and a modestly higher discount rate, even as many recent Street price targets have moved higher on improving freight cycle and transportation network themes. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia has been active, with several firms lifting price targets into the US$400 to US$500 range.
Narrative Update • Feb 20

SAIA: Elevated Freight Cycle Expectations Will Increase Execution Risk Over 2026

The updated Analyst Price Target for Saia reflects a higher fair value estimate of $284.20. Analysts point to adjusted assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E, along with a mixed but generally higher set of Street price targets across the transport group.
Narrative Update • Feb 06

SAIA: Elevated Mid Cycle P/E Multiples Will Pressure Long Term Upside Potential

Our analyst price target for Saia now sits at $354.95, a modest refinement that reflects a blend of higher Street targets from firms lifting views into the $326 to $431 range, along with more cautious voices flagging rich mid cycle P/E multiples and earnings risk if recent volume trends extend beyond the first half of 2026. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia is split, with several price target increases clustered between roughly $326 and $431, while a group of more cautious voices stresses execution and valuation risks tied to 2026 and 2027 expectations.
Narrative Update • Jan 23

SAIA: Cost Controls And Capacity Tightness Will Shape Margins And Volume Risk

Narrative Update on Saia Analysts have lifted their blended fair value estimate for Saia to $354.95 from $326.81. This change reflects higher Street price targets that balance concerns about sub seasonal freight trends and elevated P/E multiples with expectations for tighter trucking capacity, regulation driven attrition, and ongoing network optimization into 2026.
Narrative Update • Jan 09

SAIA: Tighter LTL Capacity Into 2026 Will Support Margin Expansion

Narrative Update The analyst price target for Saia has moved from US$405 to US$431, as analysts cite a tighter capacity setup into 2026, improved margin expectations, and recent rating upgrades that offset more cautious views from some peers. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Saia shows a split tape, with some bullish analysts lifting price targets and ratings, while others turn more cautious on near term freight trends and sector valuations.
Analysis Article • Jan 02

The Returns At Saia (NASDAQ:SAIA) Aren't Growing

There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'll want to see a...
Narrative Update • Dec 14

SAIA: Cost Controls And Network Optimization Will Support Margins Amid Mixed Volume Trends

Our analyst price target for Saia has edged higher to $326.81 from $320.45 as analysts balance lingering macro and volume headwinds, including softer near term tonnage and mix related margin pressure, against the company's solid cost control, network optimization efforts, and potential for margin expansion beyond pure volume recovery. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia reflects a mixed but generally constructive backdrop, with recent target changes clustering around a still supportive valuation range despite near term earnings and volume uncertainty.
Narrative Update • Nov 29

SAIA: Cost Controls And Margin Execution Will Offset Near-Term Volume Weakness

Analysts have modestly reduced their fair value estimate for Saia by approximately $3. They cite ongoing margin pressures and mixed shipment trends that continue to weigh on forecasts, despite recent cost efficiency improvements.
Narrative Update • Nov 15

SAIA: Operational Efficiency Will Drive Margin Expansion Despite Volume Pressures

Saia's analyst price target has decreased moderately, falling from $331.10 to $323.37 per share. Analysts point to industry-wide margin pressure and soft volume trends, which are overshadowing recent quarterly outperformance.
Narrative Update • Oct 31

SAIA: Margin Gains From Cost Controls Will Offset Slower Freight Volumes Ahead

Saia's analyst price target has been lowered modestly to $331.10 from $337.25. Analysts cite strong recent results, but also point to concerns over slower volume trends and margin pressures heading into the fourth quarter.
Seeking Alpha • Apr 23

Saia: Transporting Growth, Fueling Upside, Improving Technical Indicators

Summary Saia, Inc. shows resilience and recovery in Q1 2025, driven by improved demand, prudent pricing, and enhanced service capabilities. Lower oil prices and tempered inflation can positively impact SAIA's cost management, while e-commerce growth and strategic capex may bolster its performance. Despite tariff concerns, SAIA's liquidity remains strong, with a Net Debt/EBITDA of 0.30x and a solid balance sheet supporting future growth. SAIA is underpriced with a potential 16% upside, supported by improving technical indicators and a buy rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Feb 23

Saia: Positioned For Growth Amid Deregulation And Industry Tailwinds

Summary Deregulation under the new administration is expected to reduce costs for trucking companies like Saia, enhancing profitability and operational flexibility. Saia could benefit from lower vehicle acquisition costs and reduced compliance burdens due to the potential rollback of emissions regulations. Increased tariffs on imports may drive higher domestic freight volumes, further boosting Saia’s demand and market share. Saia’s strong execution, disciplined pricing, and favorable industry conditions justify its elevated valuation and position it for long-term growth. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Feb 04

Saia's Expansion Is Impressive--But Here's Why I'm Not Buying Yet

Summary Saia, Inc. specializes in less-than-truckload shipping and has seen a 400% stock increase over five years, but recently slowed down. Record-breaking revenue of $789 million in Q4 2024, driven by network expansion and acquisition of Yellow's terminals, but at high operational expenses. Rising labor, insurance, and operational costs challenge profitability, despite Saia's pricing power and strategic focus on heavier shipments. Maintaining a neutral “Hold” stance due to high valuation multiples and near-term profitability concerns, awaiting clearer signs of operational ratio stabilization. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Nov 19

Saia: Good Growth Prospects Should Drive Upside

Summary SAIA is poised for growth due to increased geographic penetration, solid pricing, and favorable macro conditions, warranting a buy rating. Recent revenue growth is driven by disciplined pricing, market share gains, and new terminal openings, with a positive outlook for future growth. Margins are expected to improve with the new terminals ramp-up, pricing increases, and good execution. SAIA trades at a discount to Old Dominion Freight Lines despite better growth prospects, making it an attractive investment. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

Earnings and Revenue Growth Forecasts

NasdaqGS:SAIA - Analysts future estimates and past financials data (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsFree Cash FlowCash from OpAvg. No. Analysts
12/31/20284,19346020875811
12/31/20273,88038424368819
12/31/20263,61130623659519
6/30/20263,392278255606N/A
3/31/20263,253255195626N/A
12/31/20253,23425527595N/A
9/30/20253,233284-14622N/A
6/30/20253,236290-113626N/A
3/31/20253,242321-203586N/A
12/31/20243,209362-460584N/A
9/30/20243,171375-394581N/A
6/30/20243,104381-371524N/A
3/31/20242,976369-203565N/A
12/31/20232,881355138578N/A
9/30/20232,786336116545N/A
6/30/20232,740336118557N/A
3/31/20232,79135447496N/A
12/31/20222,792357106473N/A
9/30/20222,75336049459N/A
6/30/20222,640342108450N/A
3/31/20222,466295111418N/A
12/31/20212,28925397383N/A
9/30/20212,148220157338N/A
6/30/20212,013182119301N/A
3/31/20211,860148170319N/A
12/31/20201,82213878309N/A
9/30/20201,78912057305N/A
6/30/20201,77611137308N/A
3/31/20201,823120N/A294N/A
12/31/20191,787114N/A273N/A
9/30/20191,750118N/A277N/A
6/30/20191,707113N/A258N/A
3/31/20191,672106N/A251N/A
12/31/20181,654105N/A256N/A
9/30/20181,607127N/A217N/A
6/30/20181,539114N/A191N/A
3/31/20181,474101N/A169N/A
12/31/20171,40591N/A158N/A
9/30/20171,34554N/A156N/A
6/30/20171,30453N/A159N/A
3/31/20171,25249N/A154N/A
12/31/20161,25048N/A146N/A
9/30/20161,20649N/A147N/A
6/30/20161,20747N/A142N/A
3/31/20161,21853N/A134N/A
12/31/20151,22155N/A146N/A
9/30/20151,24357N/A124N/A

Analyst Future Growth Forecasts

Earnings vs Savings Rate: SAIA's forecast earnings growth (17.5% per year) is above the savings rate (3.7%).

Earnings vs Market: SAIA's earnings (17.5% per year) are forecast to grow faster than the US market (17.2% per year).

High Growth Earnings: SAIA's earnings are forecast to grow, but not significantly.

Revenue vs Market: SAIA's revenue (7.4% per year) is forecast to grow slower than the US market (13.4% per year).

High Growth Revenue: SAIA's revenue (7.4% per year) is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Earnings per Share Growth Forecasts

Future Return on Equity

Future ROE: SAIA's Return on Equity is forecast to be low in 3 years time (12.5%).

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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/09/13 02:25
End of Day Share Price 2026/09/11 00:00
Earnings2026/06/30
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Saia, Inc. is covered by 29 analysts. 19 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Eric MorganBarclays
Brandon OglenskiBarclays
David VernonBernstein